How to choose a perfume for someone else

Picking out a perfume for someone else is both a thoughtful gesture and a daunting task. Unlike a sweater or a mug, scent feels personal. It clings to skin, blends with memory, and often says something quietly bold about the person wearing it. So when you decide to give someone a fragrance, it’s more than just a bottle. And if done right, it can feel almost poetic.

With hundreds of notes, styles, and scent families, even walking into a perfume store can feel overwhelming. So how do you choose a perfume that doesn’t just smell good, but feels right for them?

Let’s walk through it together.

Start with Who They Are

Before you even glance at a bottle, pause and really think about them. Not just their favorite color or what they wore last weekend. Go deeper.

Are they bold or quiet? Do they love early mornings and crisp air, or are they more of a candle-lit evening kind of soul? Are they drawn to the outdoorsy or happy curled up indoors with a book?

Pay Attention to Their Current Fragrance Habits

If they already wear perfume, that’s a goldmine of clues. Try to find out what they wear. Look it up, see what notes and fragrance family it belongs to. Most perfumes list their notes online, and with just a bit of research, you can see patterns.

For example, if they love Chanel Chance Eau Tendre, you’ll find it leans floral and fruity, that might tell you they enjoy bright, feminine, soft scents. If they wear Dior Sauvage, expect a bold blend of ambroxan, pepper, and bergamot, hinting they’re drawn to modern, confident masculinity.

If they don’t wear perfume, it doesn’t mean you’re lost. In fact, it gives you more creative space. You get to think in terms of lifestyle and emotions rather than habits.

Consider the Season and Setting

Fresh, citrus-based or light floral perfumes tend to shine in warmer months. They feel clean, breezy, and unobtrusive. On the flip side, perfumes with depth, like woody, spicy, or oriental scents, wrap beautifully in cold air, making them perfect for winter.

If you’re giving someone perfume during December, something warm and comforting might hit the mark. But if it’s a birthday in spring, go for something that feels airy and bright.

Also consider where they'll likely wear it. Is it for daily use? Evening dinners? Work? The gym? Matching the fragrance to context can make all the difference.

Let Notes Guide You 

You don’t need to become a perfumer overnight. But knowing a bit about notes helps when you’re scanning bottle descriptions.

• Top Notes are what you smell first (they fade quickly): think citrus, herbs, light fruits.
• Heart Notes form the body (what lingers after the top fades): often florals, spices, or green scents.
• Base Notes are the foundation (they stay the longest): woods, musk, amber, vanilla, leather.

If someone enjoys a grounded, earthy presence, look for perfumes with vetiver, patchouli, or sandalwood in the base. If they feel more ethereal and delicate, florals like peony, freesia, or lily might be lovely in the heart notes.

That said, don’t get too rigid. Perfumes are layered for a reason. Sometimes an unexpected note is exactly what makes it special.

Also read: Fragrance Families Explained: Floral, Woody, and Oriental

Think About Gendered Scents 

Many perfumes are marketed as “for men” or “for women,” These are based on general consensus and are a good starting point.

If your friend usually wears something marketed for women, they might expect similar packaging and scent profile. But if they’re more experimental, or if you think they’d enjoy something unexpected, feel free to explore unisex or opposite-gender-labeled options. Some of the most compelling perfumes sit right in the middle.

Try Discovery Sets or Smaller Sizes

If you’re unsure, don’t go straight for the 100ml bottle. Many brands offer perfume trial pack, minis, or travel sprays. That way, the person can try it out without pressure. It shows thoughtfulness without assuming permanence.

Some niche perfume houses even offer custom sample boxes. You choose a few options, and they try them all before committing.

It’s also a beautiful way to say, “I see you, and I thought this might suit you, but I want you to choose what truly fits.”

Look for Stories, Not Just Scents

People connect to stories. That’s what makes a perfume memorable, not just the smell, but what it evokes.

So when you’re exploring fragrances, look at the way they’re described. Some brands write poetry on their packaging. “A walk through a Parisian garden after rain.” “Midnight by the firelight.” “A spark of citrus and courage.”

Even if the person you’re buying for isn’t a romantic, they’ll feel something if the scent comes with a narrative. Choose a bottle that says something, not just smells nice.

Presentation Matters (But Sincerity Matters More)

Yes, bottles can be stunning. Some look like art. And for some recipients, a pretty bottle matters. But what touches people most is when they know you chose it thoughtfully.

Slip in a handwritten note. Tell them why you picked it. “This reminded me of the way you smile in the sun.” Or, “This felt like who you are when you're most alive.”

Perfume lingers longer when it’s tied to meaning.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

A few things to watch out for:

• Don’t guess blindly. Ask subtle questions if needed. "What kind of smells do you usually like?" can lead to clues.
• Avoid overly trendy perfumes. They might not match the person at all.
• Don’t assume expensive equals better. Some affordable perfumes are pure magic on the right skin.
• Be mindful of allergies. If they’re sensitive to strong scents, go lighter.
• Don’t pick a scent you love unless you know they will too. It’s a gift, not a reflection of your taste.

Final Thoughts

In the end, choosing a perfume for someone else is less about picking the “right” one and more about wanting to get it right. That intention carries through. Whether you land on their new favorite or simply introduce them to something new, what matters is that you noticed them. Their presence, their energy, their subtle traits.

Perfume is one of those quiet gifts that say so much without needing to be loud. And that, in itself, is a kind of love.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What if I don’t know what type of perfume they like?

Ans. Start with their personality, lifestyle, and any subtle clues, like the candles they burn or skincare they use. 

Q2. Are unisex perfumes a safe choice?

Ans. Absolutely. Many unisex perfumes are beautifully balanced and versatile, making them a great option when gifting.

Q3. Is it better to buy perfume in-store or online?

Ans. In-store gives you a chance to smell the options, but online offers discovery sets and reviews. If buying online, check return policies or go for samples first.

Q4. What’s a safe scent category to start with?

Ans. Fresh citrus or soft floral scents tend to be widely liked. They’re not too overwhelming and usually feel clean and approachable.

Q5. How do I include a personal touch with the gift?

Ans. Add a short note about why you chose that scent. Even a single sentence makes it more intimate and memorable.